28539/2ABOUT 100 literary hopefuls have entered a competition as part of Bradford on Avon's seven-day book festival in September.
The Bradford Book Bang has been organised by Roger and Hazel Jones, who own Ex Libris Bookshop.
The couple, who have lived in Bradford since 1980, are moving to Jersey in April and decided to organise the festival before they leave.
Mr Jones said: "We are going out with a Bang. We are both turning 60 next year. That is the sort of watershed really, after 25 years in the shop."
The Bradford Book Bang will take place from September 19 to 26 in the coach house behind the Swan Hotel, with winners of the short story, poetry and travel writing categories of the competition announced on the final Sunday. Mr Jones will produce a book of the winning entries called Bradford Book Bang 2004.
On Saturday September 25, there is a chance to meet local authors and illustrators from Bradford.
When Mr and Mrs Jones leave Jim Wolland, who has worked at Ex Libris for 20 years, will run the shop.
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